Reversing the disparities between southern and northern Dallas can sometimes seem like inching a giant boulder up a steep mountain.

We know it will take years to improve the systemic economic and quality-of-life issues that have plagued the city's southern half for decades. But three promising developments show the city is making good progress in boosting the fortunes there, which in turn builds the tax base for the entire city:

#1 Starbucks is coming to the revitalized Red Bird Mall area.

The new Starbucks, set to open alongside the former Southwest Center Mall in spring 2018, is one of 15 that the company is planning as part of a national push to help spark reinvestment in low- and middle-income neighborhoods.

It's another hopeful spark for the Camp Wisdom area redevelopment plans already in the works by owner Peter Brodsky for the mall, a blueprint that includes a Marriott Courtyard and apartments.

Starbucks officials say they see an unmet demand in this part of the city and the potential to make a profit.

Most important, we're encouraged that Starbucks also plans a training center for young people and vows to use women- and minority-owned businesses to build and supply the store.

District 3 City Council member Casey Thomas has long tried to answer his constituents' call for another grocer, and now Lidl is a step closer to providing one in Summit Parc, in southwest Dallas. Its plans for a 36,000-square-foot store won Plan Commission approval last week.

German retailer Lidl opened a U.S. headquarters in Arlington, Va., in June 2015 with plans to start operating grocery stores in the U.S.It's already locked up several future store locations in North Texas.

(David Keith/Lidl)

That's good news for efforts to bring relief to food deserts throughout the area while also creating needed jobs. The Dallas Morning News reported that Lidl has spent more than $10 million on land purchases in North Texas.

#3 Bonton Farms, in South Dallas, has a smart plan for a neighborhood market.

This urban farm, located in another stubborn food desert, already is growing and providing sorely needed fresh vegetables. Adding a market, a café and health and wellness programs, with help from a $100,000 grant from the South Dallas/Fair Park Trust Fund — money the City Council approved Wednesday — is a vital next step in keeping residents healthy.